Key Findings From The Albert Lea Officer-Involved Shooting Case

Albert Lea, MN (KROC-AM News)- The investigation into a fatal officer-involved shooting in Albert Lea earlier this year has wrapped up.

The Fillmore County Attorney's Office reviewed the deadly June 10 incident.

44-year-old Nathaniel DeWitt Bailey of Albert Lea died of gunshot wounds in an officer-involved shooting. 66-year-old Brenda Kay Krause, also of Albert Lea, was found deceased at the residence.

She also died from gunshot wounds, and her death has been ruled a homicide, alleged to have been committed by Bailey, according to the Fillmore County Attorney’s Office report.

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The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) indicates that its preliminary investigation determined that law enforcement officers responded to the residence around 7 p.m. on June 10 after receiving a report that a man had texted a woman stating he had just killed his mother.

Freeborn County authorities identified the man as Bailey and learned he had fled the residence in a vehicle. Mower County authorities later spotted the vehicle near Austin and attempted a traffic stop.

Freeborn County Sheriff's Office via Facebook

The BCA says Bailey fled and led law enforcement officers on a chase back to the residence near Albert Lea. According to the BCA statement, Bailey then exited the vehicle armed with a handgun.

Officers at the scene discharged their weapons and shot Bailey, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The BCA identified five law officers who discharged their weapons:

Mower County Sgt. Katlynne Fisher has eight years of law enforcement experience.

Steele County Deputy Sean Robbins has 11 years of experience.

Freeborn County Deputy Darik Weigel has eight years of experience.

Albert Lea Police Detective Sy Vanthavong has 24 years of experience.

Faribault County Sheriff’s Deputy (name withheld due to undercover status, per Minnesota Statute 13.82, Subd. 17(a)).

Officers Involved in Deadly Shooting of Armed Albert Lea Murder Suspect Cleared of Wrongdoing

The report from the Fillmore County Attorney’s Office concluded the use of deadly force by law enforcement was, “appropriate and justified under the circumstances.”

Fillmore County Attorney's Office

Fillmore County Attorney Brett Corson also wrote, “It is my opinion that each of the law enforcement officers who utilized deadly force did so in full compliance with the law and in full recognition of the sanctity of life. Unfortunately, there was no option other than the use of deadly force.”

None of the officers will face charges.

6 Photos You Won't Believe Were Taken In Minnesota

After having spent the greater part of the last three weeks outside Minnesota, it has been great to be back. We live in a very beautiful part of the country. From the North Shore's jagged cliffs to the rolling croplands of southern Minnesota and to the driftless area near Preston, our state is filled with beautiful sights. I managed to find 6 photos that were taken right here in Minnesota, but when you look at them, you'd think they were taken somewhere else completely. Let's enjoy the land of 10,000 photos, shall we?

Gallery Credit: Unsplash